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Based on this, in the later stages of the project, regular project reviews are attempted.

Project reviews are simple checks of the stage at which the project stands, whether or not it is following the timelines, the usage of appropriate tools and so on. The key areas of the outcome or the targets achieved at various stages are reviewed.

Generally, the team leader or mentor takes on the milestone reviews with the project Champion and the team.

Participants: It is important to decide who will be involved in the project and those who will be involved with the reviews.

Very often it is the Green Belts, Black Belts, Master Black Belts, Champion and the other chosen members of management who will be involved in such review meetings.

Duration: Typically, the project should be reviewed after a single phase is completed. For example, if you are following the DMAIC methodology, you will have a review after all the phases.

The same would be true for other methodologies like DMADV, IDOV and so on.

Review preparation: You should prepare for the review by ensuring that a room is reserved, necessary presentation equipment is in place and white boards and markers are available.

Team leads should also communicate and schedule the review meeting with all participants.

Review content: The project review involves an initial introduction by the Champion on highlights and the importance of the project. Project team presentations follow, and explain the recently completed phase. The reviewers should be able to identify from this the positive results achieved by the team.

Any clarifications and suggestions should be put on the table and resolved during this time. Any drawbacks in the project or non-usage of a tool by the team should be considered - and if the tool has no utility, the Master Black Belts may decide to sign-off on the phase.

The session normally ends with the instructions of the Champion on areas for improvement, as well as supporting and inspiring messages.

Benefits of Project Reviews

-Project Progress: Reviews ensure that the team remains focused on the goals of the project and are aware of the formal milestones achieved on set timelines.

-Guidance: A project review is not about criticism of any drawbacks; it is more inclined towards providing a helping hand for the smooth flow of the project phases.

The experience of the champions and the team leaders helps in aligning the activities for the success of the project.

-Aligned Goals: Reviews ensure that multiple teams are moving toward achieving a common goal.

-Removal of Barriers: If the teams are facing certain barriers, they can be sorted out by sharing them with the Champion. They also share the best practices on the subject matter aimed at improvement.

-Rewards: The hard work being put in by team members is recognized on completion of the project - and team members are appropriately awarded for their contributions.

Project reviews are beneficial to the health of any Six Sigma project. Companies can achieve the desired outcome if timely reviews are undertaken.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution’s Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for six sigma professionals including, lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.